10 ex-“American Idol” contestants sue show for racism

Fox’s long-running singing competition show “American Idol” is at the center of a racism suit.

Last Thursday, 10 former “Idol” contestants—all of whom are African-American—filed suit against the show, claiming the producers eliminated them in their respective seasons because of their race. According to the complaint, producers unlawfully obtained information about all contestants’ criminal backgrounds, but only used black contestants’ records to disqualify them. The plaintiffs say the producers used the criminal background checks to “systematically disqualify and publicly humiliate” black “Idol” contestants as a ratings ploy that also perpetuated stereotypes.

The plaintiffs each seek $25 million in damages for “economic injuries, lost business opportunities and/or lost earning potential.”